Reflection 9-7-17

I am reminded once again how powerful Prayer can be in these troubling times. It is a tool for the faithful to seek out wisdom and understanding. To help calm the mind and bring peace to the restless soul. As followers of Christ we are all called to a prayerful life. It is a conversation with God that allows us to open up our hearts to all that troubles us. Their are those who demand that God give miraculous answers. That everything should be handed down on some kind of silver platter. But I personally have found that God answers our prayers not with the blast of a trumpet. But often with the softest of whispers. Often times in such a subtle way that unless one is looking. One will miss it. In many cases it is more about opening up our minds to see something that we might have missed. I find that prayer is a powerful tool that can help face the darkness of this world. One that we should use more often.

Till next time.

-JM

Reflection 9-5-17

So much darkness in this world of ours. Facing tragic events by drawing lines in the sand. Leaders that we count on to guide our nation seem to falter and fail. Or worse we don't even give them a chance to succeed. This profound rush to judgement by giving into our fears and anxiety. Letting those elements dictate how we react or over react. Where is the compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters? Are they lost with the shuffling of political agendas? Where is their voice in this mess that we call our world? Perhaps those of us as messengers of Christ. We should take a bolder stand. Open our hearts and minds to what God would have us do. Even if we spend our time in prayer. Prayers for wisdom of our leadership. Prayers of compassion for those who are not well off. Prayers for peace in this world that celebrates violence. Prayers that those who seek help are able to find resources and that more resources would be made available. We have ownership of what goes on around us. A stake in the fate of this world. As Christ calls us we should open up our hearts more to the will of the Father. Putting our focus into proclaiming our love of Christ not in word. But in compassion and mercy. Proclaiming our love though action to the help those around us. 


Till next time.

-JM

The Grand Cross

During a typical Lego Church Project season build a picture like the one above gets posted. Over the years it has become a symbol of what the project is about. I call "The Grand Cross". Because for me that is what it is. It has over the years become one of the most important elements of my work. In fact the very placement of that cross has been one of the first things that get decided on even before any of the bricks are set.

The origins of how it even came about have been told many times. The FB page has more than few posts about it. Along with how it has evolved into it's current form. The design came about because of a need back on the Season 5 project. Since that time however the reasons for keeping the cross has also evolved. Over time the cross has become a statement of what I believe. To the point that with the exception of one season it has been used in every project since. In fact it really wouldn't be a Lego Church Project with out it.

 I've been reflecting on things over the past few months. I've come to a much deeper understanding of why I keep using it. It is very much a statement of who I am. Very much an important part of my work. It allows the work to stand out to show people "this is what I am doing." When I dig deeper. I realize that two more important meanings develop. Both very well tie into the themes I use in my art and of my own personal world view.

The first one is a pure representation of The Blessed Trinity. Each of the three crosses make up a part of that. One for God the Father. Another for God the Son. The final cross for The Holy Spirit. Which is the core of a path that I have made the choice to follow.

The other meaning that could be taken from the Grand Cross is the importance of unity with in our parishes. The smallest yellow cross represent a single person. The red outer cross stands for our parishes that we belong to.  The communities that we engage in as part of that parish. The largest yellow cross represents the entire Catholic Church itself. Not unlike when I'm building the Grand Cross into my project. One element cannot stand up with out the other. All three crosses are needed to keep things together. It is the same way with our Faith. With out people taking part in parish life. Our parishes cannot survive. With out our parishes. Everything else falls apart.

Take care my friends. Please feel free to comment on this or any of my other posts. Would love to hear from you.

-JM

Bits of Wisdom: Storms

All stuff posted is my own work. Unless otherwise noted.

Storms are a constant element in this life of ours. Sometimes we can drive though them with out worry. Other times we must find a spot to pull over to ride things out. It is not that we don't care about what is going on. But rather it gives us a chance to see a better path to follow so we can get our lives back on track.

-JM

Reflection from Oct 12th

At the end of the day. If we are people who proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. No matter the path. We must be willing to stand up. We must make our voice as one. Because this world is slowly falling apart before our eyes. Let Christ be our light against the darkness this world is offering us. Let Christ be our guide as our faith comes under fire from the very people who are suppose to uphold it. Let Christ offer up the wisdom to see what needs to be seen. To do what needs to be done..